Larry Duane Leonhardt

Larry Duane Leonhardt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, was born on Oct. 24, 1934, in Gering, Neb., to Henry and Viola Loose Leonhardt. He left his loving family on July 5, 2014.

After completing high school, Larry attended business college for a brief time before entering the service. He was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard in New York. Larry married Elizabeth Ruth Kelly on Dec. 17, 1955, in New York City. On March 3, 1957, their first daughter Susan Elizabeth was born. Lori Ann was added to the family on May 15, 1958, twin boys Larry Charles and Gary Duane on Sept. 22, 1961, and Michael Henry, their fifth child, was born on March 23, 1964.

After his family, Larry’s greatest passion was his work. He was well known for his work with genetics in developing and breeding a unique line of cattle, Shoshone Angus. His goal was to succeed in making cattle better for the common rancher. He was also known for his straight rows and great crops. Larry was inducted into the Angus Hall of Fame, was a board member for the University of Maryland, past president of the Beet Grower’s Association and at the time of his death, was on the board of the Sidon Canal Irrigation District.

Larry is survived by his wife Elizabeth; daughters Susan (Jeff) Shearon and Lori (Joel) Peterson; sons Larry (Melinda), Gary (Kathy) and Michael (JoDawn); 27 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and counting. He is also survived by his sisters Sharon (Alex) McDougal and Mary Ann Hanny and sister-in-law Bobi Jo Leonhardt. He was preceded in death by his father Henry; mother Viola; brother Charles and brother-in-law Frank Hanny.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at Haskell Funeral Home, at 7 p.m. Funeral services for Larry D. Leonhardt will be held on Friday, July 11, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell. Burial will follow at the Cowley Cemetery.

Haskell Funeral Home has a website for condolences that will be read by the family. In lieu of flowers the family’s wishes are memorial donations to Generation Life, St. Jude’s or any other charity of your choice.